How to Close a Hole in Exterior Siding

Exterior siding panels shelter home interiors from moisture penetration, insect infestations and biological contamination. As common exterior claddings, aluminum and vinyl siding panels require adequate maintenance to prevent damages from threatening a home’s structural integrity. Holes are typically small bits of damage that happen in siding panels over time from cable lines, fasteners, rot and storm damage. Although small holes seem innocuous, they allow weather elements and insects to penetrate underlying wall sheathing. Immediately close a hole in exterior aluminum or vinyl siding to prevent additional damages and freshen the look of the siding by applying a silicone siding caulk that matches the siding’s color.

Cotton rag
Colored silicone siding caulk
Utility knife
Nail
Caulk gun
Razor blade

Instructions

- 1
  Moisten a cotton rag with water. Wipe the gouged area of the siding with the moist cloth to eradicate grime. Let the hole air-dry completely.
- 2
  Cut the tip off the caulk cartridge’s nozzle at a 90-degree angle, using a utility knife. Make the opening in the nozzle slightly smaller than the hole in the siding.
- 3
  Puncture the seal in the opening of the caulk cartridge’s nozzle, using a nail. Pull back the caulk gun’s plunger handle, and then load the caulk cartridge with the base of the cartridge positioned against the plunger.
- 4
  Pump the caulk gun’s trigger over a trash can until the caulk begins flowing out of the cartridge.
- 5
  Squirt the caulk into the hole in the siding. Completely fill the hole and the area behind it with caulk. Try not to smear caulk onto the surrounding siding.
- 6
  Let the caulk in the hole cure for up to 72 hours, depending on the brand on caulk. Refer to the caulk manufacturer’s directions on the cartridge for the specific curing time.
- 7
  Slice any excess caulk off the hole’s surface, using a razor blade. Make the caulk-filled hole level with the surrounding siding panel.

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